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Church notice sheet - 28 October 2007
This week's prayer topic
The families and friends of all involved in the tragic accident in the Algarve, Portugal.
Readings
9:00am - 1 Corinthians 12: 21-31 and Matthew 7: 15-23
11:00am - 1 Corinthians 12: 21-31
Love in a box, lolly in a bottle!
Each year, on Harvest Sunday, we launch our Jar of Grace appeal and, between Harvest and Christmas, the clinking of coins (or the rustle of notes!) can be heard at mealtimes throughout the parish of St. John’s, Haydon Wick, and beyond, as men, women and children thank God for His provision of their needs by making a special thank offering.
Last year, the total was a magnificent £2,073 from 81 jars!! Can we reach 100 jars this year?
The proceeds will be shared between UNICEF (to save the lives of children) and Luweero. There are specially labelled jars available in the foyer at the back of the church, or you can use your own jar (clean please!) – BUT DO START NOW and use your Jar of Grace for your mealtime thank offerings between now and Christmas.
The second appeal is for shoeboxes of gifts for children who will receive no other Christmas present this year. Samaritans Purse International runs Operation Christmas Child and distributes over one and a half million shoeboxes of gifts to children in over 100 countries world-wide regardless of their nationality, political background or religious beliefs.
In recent years, St. John's has sent over 700 shoeboxes – a truly magnificent effort! If you would like to fill a shoebox, please take one of the leaflets from the table (this is essential reading for full guidance, instructions and labels) and a shoebox (or you can use your own). Please bring your shoeboxes back on National Shoebox Sunday (18th November) at the latest.
What a celebration!
Saturday, 20th October was a red letter day in the life of St John's when the extension was dedicated by Bishop Mike, Bishop of Bristol, at a service attended by some 200 people including the Mayor and Mayoress of Swindon.
During the service, Raymond paid tribute, and made presentations to Howard Smith, past-churchwarden and Project Manager, and to Peter Howlett, churchwarden, who played such an important role in bringing the Building Project to completion. Flowers were presented to their longsuffering wives, Mary and Pam, and Raymond thanked Mary (and her catering team) for the magnificent buffet which we tucked into after the service. There was scarcely room for the delicious cake which Mary made - how did she create in icing such a marvellous model of the church? - or for the chocolates handed round by our young people (and provided in memory of that great chocolate lover, Kerry Young!)
Raymond also presented flowers to our other churchwarden, Pauline Davis, who worked so tirelessly to make the day such a success. Those who missed the rugby final were not only spared the agony of defeat (excepting, of course, the South African contingent in our congregation!) they were amply rewarded by the entertainment provided by JAM Spread and others, so ably compered once again by Andy Hall. What a gifted congregation we have - using their talents in so many different ways.
The weekend ended with a challenging (and humorous) sermon from Martin Cavender. The weekend which he and his wife will be leading at St John's on 2nd and 3rd February 2008, is certainly not to be missed.
There is just not space to mention by name the many people who contributed to Saturday's events in so many different ways - furniture removing, catering, designing the Order of Service, giving lifts, welcoming and showing people to their seats, taking photographs, videoing, playing and singing in the music group, taking up the collection, washing the communion plate, handing round, making and serving drinks, clearing up, washing up, hoovering, putting the church back together again. entertaining...... we could go on and on and on. If you helped in any way, please accept our grateful thanks.
We will just mention by name the Committee who planned it all, executed their plan, and co-ordinated the whole event and somehow remained sane! Howard Smith (Chair), Peter Howlett, Pauline Davis, Chris and Lesley Hawkes and Jean Dean - the magnificent six!
Building Project
We are now approximately £1,600 from reaching the total amount needed for all aspects of the Building Project (including furniture, furnishings and equipment). The phials are still coming in - we have received 110 so far containing £749 and we would like those still out there to be brought back as soon as possible. Further gifts can be passed to Andrew - cheques payable to St. John's PCC please.
Can you help?
This year's seniors lunch is being held at the Haydon Centre on Saturday 8th December at 12:30. As in previous years we will be asking for volunteers to help with providing food and transport and also helping out during the lunch. Please put this date in your diary now. More details nearer the time.
Parish administrator
The applicants for the position of Parish Administrator have been interviewed and we hope it will prove possible to make an appointment, and have the Parish Administrator installed in the new fully equipped Parish Office, within the next few weeks. The opening hours and telephone number of the Parish Office will be advertised in the bulletin once an appointment is made and a start date is agreed.
Do you buy on line?
We have received our first commission cheque amounting to more than £50! Log on via our website or go directly to http://www.buy.at/StjohnsHW. The church will receive commission from 2% to 12% on anything you purchase.
There are over 100 retailers involved (including M&S, Amazon, John Lewis, Comet) some of which offer exclusive discounts and promotions - and best of all ... there is no extra cost to the purchaser!
Tape Ministry
If you or someone you know would like a recording of the service, please contact Nigel Crowhurst, our Tape Co-ordinator.
What's on | Church notice sheets
Page last updated: 29 October 2007